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Home Furnishings with a Relaxed EleganceThu, 05 Feb 2015 16:05:19 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.1Lighting Ideas for the Living Roomhttp://abodefineliving.com/lighting-ideas-for-the-living-room/
http://abodefineliving.com/lighting-ideas-for-the-living-room/#commentsThu, 05 Feb 2015 15:59:12 +0000http://abodefineliving.com/?p=1627Lights are such an integral factor in home decorating as they can create the ambiance of and set the mood for any room. For this particular article, we’ll be focusing on ideal lighting in the living room.

The living room, or family room, is one area in the house where people spend lots of time and engage in a number of activities like reading, watching TV, conversation, and playing. Since people tend to gather in this area most of the time, layering lights is particularly essential to brighten up the space.

Ambient Lighting

To achieve ambient lighting and avoid shadows, it is a good idea to get away from recessed lights and other light fixtures that create a downward direction. In the living room, you want to bounce the lights off the ceiling to create a sense of brightness. A living room’s ambient lighting must be between 1,500 and 3,000 lumens.

Opting for valance or cove lighting may also help you accomplish ambient illumination. You can also install a linear flourescent lighting behind your entertainment unit or bookcases if they do not go all the way to the ceiling. There are flourescent lights available on the market that can be dimmed and can render a warm appearance.

Washing the living room walls with light can also provide ambient lighting. If you decide to do so, recessed lighting may be useful. To accomplish light-washed walls, direct recessed or valance lighting toward the walls instead of directing them downward. You can try using floor light fixtures such as a plug-in floor lamp to achieve the same effect, as well.

Task Lighting

This type of light should ideally be about 400 lumens, and may be provided by adjustable lamps, reading lamps with incandescent or LED bulbs, and other kinds of table lamps.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting, on the other hand, is usually integrated in the living room to give emphasis on architectural elements. This may be a sculpture, a bookcase, a painting, or a fireplace. Track or recessed lighting may be used to emphasize a hanging artwork, while uplights may be placed on the floor near a sculpture or a plant.

The Concept of Layering

Another way of introducing the concept of layering into a room, specifically if it’s large and was used to be lit by table lamps or recessed lights, is through embracing a new lighting design. You may install a soffit right above the fireplace; have valance lighting run along the walls; and add a table lamp beside a reading chair. All these lighting may be controlled using a keypad with pre-programmed settings to make switching the lights on or off easier.

In a living room that isn’t too large, a quick, energy efficient fix to achieve better lighting is to replace the switch with a dimmer. This also adds versatility as a dimmer allows you to control how much light you want the room to get.

For more lighting ideas, talk to one of Abode FIne Living’s interior designers!

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http://abodefineliving.com/lighting-ideas-for-the-living-room/feed/0Incorporate Eclectic Into Your Lovely Abodehttp://abodefineliving.com/incorporate-eclectic-into-your-lovely-abode/
http://abodefineliving.com/incorporate-eclectic-into-your-lovely-abode/#commentsThu, 29 Jan 2015 16:42:04 +0000http://abodefineliving.com/?p=1601There is just something about eclectic furniture designs that make them a quirky choice for a lovely home. Are you thinking of redecorating yours? Here are eclectic furniture and home decor ideas to try on your next home revamping project.

Strike a Balance

If you fancy distressed pieces but do not want the room to look old or appear like a flea market, save some space for a modern decor. For example, you can hang a grid of art on your bare wall that can compliment different graphic patterns and mismatched furniture pieces.

Spice up a Neutral Backdrop

If you have a room with light-toned floors and walls, and pale, understated furniture, the room’s personality will depend on small pieces of accessories. Spice up a neutral room with color. Use bright-colored pillows and throws, sentimental decorative items, stack of books, or an artful, intricate coffee table. The use of various textures can also liven a space. Make a room feel more inviting with a weathered round mirror frame, a weave of sisal rug, and the natural linen of a sofa.

Create an Inspiring Nook

A home office should be free from all signs of stress. So hide stress-inducing stuff within closed storage and showcase only the things that inspire you. In addition, instead of a cork or bulletin board, use your computer desktop for your to-do lists and reminders. It offers a fun, modern work zone minus the messy “ongoing collage.”

Exhibit the Things You Love

Going eclectic does not mean shoving sentimental items in the closet. You can showcase the things that are meaningful to you on a small space of a serene space. Show your love for, say, shells and corals by exhibiting them along with worn-in pieces.

Back your Bed with a Striking Paint Color

Instead of buying a headboard, simply paint the wall with an appealing color. This is especially a smart thing to do in pint-size rooms as painting saves up more space as compared to a bulky headboard. Make your bed the focal point of the room and choose eclectic furniture pieces and decors that will not compete for attention.

Turn a Busy Zone into an Enchanting One

Areas in your home that has a high traffic need the most makeover. If your home does not have a formal entry, personalize. Add a rug near the door, an antique chair for putting on or taking off shoes, a second-hand mirror for touch ups before leaving the house, a wall-mounted table for mail and keys, and a small, weaved basket for stashing shoes and slippers. The mixture of various styles and texture create a charming, functional space out of an ordinary spot.

If you are searching for eclectic furniture pieces, head to Abode Fine Living’s eclectic furniture store. We have pieces of eclectic furniture and decors that are creatively one-of-a-kind!

Looking to get some help with decorating? Visit our eclectic furniture store and let our interior designers assist you in creating exquisite spaces that is uniquely you.

]]>http://abodefineliving.com/incorporate-eclectic-into-your-lovely-abode/feed/0Avoid Furniture Shopping Mistakes!http://abodefineliving.com/avoid-furniture-shopping-mistakes/
http://abodefineliving.com/avoid-furniture-shopping-mistakes/#commentsThu, 22 Jan 2015 15:51:52 +0000http://abodefineliving.com/?p=1597Before you hit that online furniture store checkout button, you first need to know a few things about furniture and how to avoid making shopping mistakes.

Whether you have just graduated college or are entering your golden years, You probably have collected some furniture pieces. But, which ones are for keeps and which ones should you toss out? And if you are planning to add some more stuff, where should you go to purchase them?

To help you make the right decisions and purchase the right furniture for your home, here are some pointers:

Sift Through Your Stuff

You need to take a good look at the furniture pieces that you already own, and then access them. If the furniture is of low quality, it’s best to get rid of it. Same goes for pieces that are already outdated–unless the furniture has sentimental value, then you can consider updating its style with a new finish or new upholstery.

If you can’t decide which ones to keep, an interior designer may help you go through your belongings and advice you on what is worth saving.

Size can Make or Break a Room

The most common mistake buyers make is misjudging the size of a furniture piece in relation to the room and other items in it. While a piece may seem perfect in a furniture store showroom with high ceilings, the same piece may not look as good in a home with an 8-foot ceiling. So before you buy, make sure to mark out the dimensions of the piece on the floor and measure every opening to ensure that the piece will fit.

Comfort is Crucial

If you’re out looking for a sofa, purchase the best piece you can afford. Don’t be afraid to splurge on seating. It’s better to invest on something you’re surely going to use than on pieces that looks appealing but will never get used.

Broaden Your Horizon

Remember: do not hit the stores until you have all the elements in the room worked out. That includes, window treatments, wall paint, lighting, furniture and decor. You don’t need to identify exact pieces, although you should have an idea of what you want each furniture to look like. Oftentimes, people tend to buy a piece they thought looks good, then end up redecorating the room based on that piece alone.

To get a sense of what is currently available, visiting some online furniture stores may give you a head start. Online furniture stores have a wide range of furniture styles from classic to modern designs. Browsing through online furniture stores will help broaden your horizon, allowing you to see what’s out there without having to leave the comforts of your home.

If you are shopping on a budget, consider searching in secondhand furniture stores online or in antique shops near your area. And if you’re into eclectic pieces, visit Abode Fine Living’s online furniture store to find some one-of-a-kind home decors and furniture pieces.

]]>http://abodefineliving.com/avoid-furniture-shopping-mistakes/feed/0A Consumer’s Guide to Wood Furniturehttp://abodefineliving.com/a-consumers-guide-to-wood-furniture/
http://abodefineliving.com/a-consumers-guide-to-wood-furniture/#commentsFri, 16 Jan 2015 15:51:11 +0000http://abodefineliving.com/?p=1594Wood furniture has a wide range of types. Typically, wood furniture choices are a matter of budget, style, appearance and personal preference. But whether the furniture is hardwood or softwood, the key points to consider to make sure you are buying real quality—regardless if it is cheap furniture—are composition and construction.

Composition

Not all hardwood furniture are hard; and not all softwood are soft. Hardwood actually means that the type of wood the furniture is made of came from a deciduous tree. Softwood, on the other hand, means that it came from a coniferous tree. These terms does not, in any way, define a furniture’s durability, sturdiness and quality.

What you want to focus on is the composition of the furniture. You want the wood to be reasonably scratch-resistant. Test the cheap furniture’s wood surface by drawing a line across it with your fingernail. If it does not make visible dents, then the cheap furniture is of good quality. Otherwise, it will not stand up to much use.

In terms of structure, pick a cheap furniture with sturdy plywood or solid wood. If the furniture is made up of plywood, make certain that it has not nine layers, at least. Also, you want the wood to be free from knots as these are prone to cracks. This is why pine woods, which are knottier than most, are uncommon wood furniture choices. It is wise to avoid pressed wood, particleboard and fiberboard, as well.

Many high-end and cheap furniture use veneers as wood covering for low-quality wood. But as long as the base of the furniture is solid plywood or wood, it still can last for years. The only drawback here is that the use of veneers limit the times a furniture can be refinished.

Construction

The primary determinant of a durable furniture is its joint construction. Anything held together with glue, nails or staples is shoddy construction. Joints should be held together with screws or dowels in order to be considered good. But the best joints are mortise-and-tenon, and dovetail.

Aside from joints, check the wood furniture’s stability. Lift the furniture piece at one corner and see if it would twist or squeak. A furniture with good quality won’t. Check if the legs are all touching the floor; press on different corners to find out if it wobbles or rocks.

If you are buying wooden drawers or a desk, look for dust panels. These are thin sheets of wood that improve the strength of the furniture’s structure, as well as protect the contents of the drawer.

Now that you know the trick, it won’t matter where you buy your wood furniture. If you have a tight budget, head to a cheap furniture store or browse through various cheap furniture stores online. Just remember to keep these pointers in mind and you’ll have yourself a quality wood furniture that can last for years.

]]>http://abodefineliving.com/a-consumers-guide-to-wood-furniture/feed/0Useful Tips for Furniture Shoppershttp://abodefineliving.com/useful-tips-for-furniture-shoppers/
http://abodefineliving.com/useful-tips-for-furniture-shoppers/#commentsTue, 13 Jan 2015 20:09:12 +0000http://abodefineliving.com/?p=1589Furniture, just like vehicles and houses, can be a huge investment. For that reason, shopping for furniture pieces requires proper planning, careful research, and following this handful of trustworthy tips.

Study Your Lifestyle

Before you even begin with the search, you will need to contemplate on your lifestyle first. Do you have pets? Do you have kids living at home? How much time do you have for cleaning? Carefully study your lifestyle and consider factors such as those because they will largely affect your choice of furniture.

Know Your Limit

Aside from style, budget is an essential criterion to consider when shopping. Department stores and furniture stores are filled with a wide array of items—each ranging from affordable to luxurious. When buying furniture, it is important to determine your spending limit and to stick to it. Purchase a furniture that is functional and stylish, at the same time within your budget.

Familiarize Yourself with Measurement

Oftentimes, people either overestimate or underestimate the size of the furniture they are buying. Thus, they end up taking home a piece that may be too small for the space, or too big to even fit into the door. To prevent this fiasco, make certain to measure and re-measure your stairs, doorway, hallways and other areas where the furniture will pass through. You should also measure the room where you want the item to put in before placing an order.

Quality Is Queen

Being within your spending limit doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. If you find that the furniture pieces that you like go over your price range, then don’t buy all the pieces at once. Instead, buy one piece at a time, rather than opting to purchase a cheaper but similar furniture set with less quality.

Make a Joint Decision

This relates to your lifestyle. If you’re living with your partner and/or you have kids, furniture shopping should be a joint decision. Since all of you will be using the furniture, it only makes sense that everyone in the family agrees to which furniture goes in the house.

Search and Research

Find out what type of furniture adheres to your requirements, and would suit the other furniture pieces and decors in your home. Research online to determine what brand has the type of furniture you need and where you can buy it from.

Take All the Time You Need

Just as buying a car, furniture is not something you can decide on overnight or impulsively. There are tons of factors to keep in mind before landing on that perfect sofa, or that ideal bed. Because each factor is crucial, a tiny mishap can create confusion, and even worse, chaos. So before hitting that checkout button, make sure you have given it enough thought.

Eager to hunt for unique décor and furniture pieces? Visit our online furniture store or head to one of Abode Fine Living’s furniture stores in Arizona. We have a wide range of eclectic pieces in store for you!

]]>http://abodefineliving.com/useful-tips-for-furniture-shoppers/feed/0Creative Home Décor Ideas for Your Living Roomhttp://abodefineliving.com/creative-home-decor-ideas-for-your-living-room/
http://abodefineliving.com/creative-home-decor-ideas-for-your-living-room/#commentsFri, 09 Jan 2015 18:18:52 +0000http://abodefineliving.com/?p=1584Living rooms are about creating a cozy and relaxing space for friends and family. From traditional and simple to modern and bold home décor ideas—our team of interior design experts bring you several clever decorating tips and gorgeous living room ideas to steal.

# 1: Lighten It Up

You can add dimension and depth to your living room with a variety of light hues whether on the wall or on your furniture and decors. If you want to achieve a neutral look, adding decorative accents and white upholstery is a good idea.

# 2: Divide a Large Living Room Visually

Use cedar ceiling beams and other architectural details to help define and divide a great room visually.

# 3: Combine Styles

Mix neutral and bold, traditional and modern, or formal and casual to create a unique, inviting living room space.

# 4: Make a Faux Fireplace

If you do not have a fireplace in your living room, create a faux fireplace instead. This can serve as the focal point of the room.

# 5: Keep It Cozy

A relaxing ambiance is the key to a creating a comfortable space. Keep extra pillows and throws at hand for a cozy living room vibe.

# 6: Add a Touch of Modern to the Classics

Classic prints like houndstooth check can be modernized by using unexpected colors and playing with its pattern scale.

# 7: Antiques are Worth Investing in

Antiques can be great focal points of areas in your home. If your budget allows, it would be a good home décor idea to invest in a fine antique or two.

# 8: Embrace the “Floating Furniture Plan”

This refers to pulling the furniture away from walls and arranging them into the center of the room. This arranging type will create open space, keeping the traffic flow open, as well.

# 9: Mix Comfort with Elegance

Whoever says formal and casual cannot go together clearly have not seen the two combined. To add a touch of elegance, blend some bold fabrics, sculptural accessories and mid-century lighting in a casual living room.

# 10: Play with Different Patterns

Mixing and matching patterns even in small living room spaces can work with the right combination and color scheme. For example, a floral set of pillows and coordinating rug may add color to your space, while a chair with animal print creates personality and heightens the drama. You can even throw in a geometric touch on your fireplace using herringbone tiles.

# 11: Give Designs a Spin

Give minimalist design a Country French spin by sticking to white linens and painted antiques. Also, you want to avoid the expected plaids and ruffles, instead try painting the trim a dark shade for a cleaner look.

#12: Add a Personal Touch

Do not be afraid to personalize your furniture pieces and accessories to create one of a kind decorations and furnishings.

Are you looking for decorating ideas for other parts of your home? Visit out blog for more creative home décor ideas from our experts.

]]>http://abodefineliving.com/creative-home-decor-ideas-for-your-living-room/feed/0Thrifty Home Decorating Ideas That Are Borderline Geniushttp://abodefineliving.com/thrifty-home-decorating-ideas-that-are-borderline-genius/
http://abodefineliving.com/thrifty-home-decorating-ideas-that-are-borderline-genius/#commentsTue, 06 Jan 2015 17:08:50 +0000http://abodefineliving.com/?p=1581Home decorating ideas and updates does not necessarily have to break your bank. Discover how to get the most out of your budget and give your home a fabulous lift with these home decorating ideas that are fresh, fun and savvy!

Custom Nightstand

You don’t need a conventional nightstand. Instead, opt for cubes in various sizes mounted on the wall. Do you fancy books? You can also create a flat surface for your bedside necessities if you stack your books neatly beside your bed.

DIY Jewelry Holder

There are lots of home decorating ideas that one can do with old photo frames. One of which, turning it into a jewelry holder. To accomplish that, cut a decorative metal screen to the size of the frame. Paint it in a color that compliments the room, and then attach it to the back of the frame using a staple gun.

Stenciled Tray

Do you have trays at home that you rarely utilize? Put it to good use by repurposing it into a lovely display piece with an attractive stenciled design.

Wallpapered Accent Wall

Tired of plain painted walls? Bring a patterned personality to the room with wallpaper. For a quick weekend home makeover, you can simply add a patterned wallpaper on the accent wall. This will create a big impact on the room in a pleasantly surprising way.

Stamped Wall

This is one of the cleverest home decorating ideas on a budget there is. If you can’t find a printed wallpaper that strikes your fancy, or you simply do not have the budget for it, fake the look with a stamped design instead. After mapping out the grid on the wall, stamp your desired shape where the lines intersect using paint.

Spring Centerpiece

Create a rustic centerpiece with a touch of industrial using a wooden plank and old springs of different sizes. Once you have secured the springs to the wooden board using construction adhesive, you can put test tubes, jars or vases inside them to hold flowers and decorative candles.

Find the Bright Side

Make your display pieces pop out inside stained bookcases and lighten the mood of the room by either painting the interior backing of the shelf with a bold color, or sticking patterned wallpaper in its insides.

Easy Artwork

Who says artworks have to be pricey to be special and beautiful? Get your creative juices flowing and gather a handful of frames that you can hang on the wall in an abstract manner. It doesn’t matter if the floating frames differ in sizes or shapes. The more random they are, the better. Then, fill these frames with letterpress cards, some sentimental pieces of yours, or anything that compliments your home decorations.

Gorgeous home designs does not have to be just a dream. With these home decorating ideas, you can get the look that you want for your home while keeping your budget at a minimum. What’s your favorite home decorating ideas on a budget? Let us know in the comments!

]]>http://abodefineliving.com/thrifty-home-decorating-ideas-that-are-borderline-genius/feed/0Create Stunning Holiday Home Decor Using Upcycled Materialshttp://abodefineliving.com/create-stunning-holiday-home-decor-using-upcycled-materials/
http://abodefineliving.com/create-stunning-holiday-home-decor-using-upcycled-materials/#commentsFri, 12 Dec 2014 18:48:17 +0000http://abodefineliving.com/?p=1571Get inspired and crafty this holiday season. From creating garlands with old magazines to turning used holiday lights into a beautiful wreath, here are some great and easy DIY home décor ideas to try for the holidays that use common, upcycled materials.

Newspaper Trees

Create amazing home décor centerpieces using cardboard boxes and newspaper. To make tabletop trees, cut the boxes into flat sheets. Roll each of the cardboard sheet into cones, fasten them into form with glue, then cut the bottom so that it becomes even. For their “leaves”, cut 4-inch strips of newspaper, then fray them. Wrap the frayed newspaper strips around the cones, securing them in place with glue.

Gift Wrap Tube Reindeer

Add a rustic but playful touch to tabletops with a deer made from empty gift wrap tubes and a few twigs. Cut 4 inches of tube for the body, and 2 inches for the head using a utility knife. In the 4-inch tube: make 4 holes at the bottom (where the legs will be inserted), and 1 hole along the top (where the neck will go). You also want to put a hole on the 2-inch tube. Then, cut the twigs for the legs, neck, and antlers with floral shears. Insert the twigs in place, then fasten them with hot glue.

Birch Log Ornaments and Garland

Birch logs can be used for several DIY home décor ideas and projects, including tree ornaments. To make, cut the logs into ¼ inch discs, then drill a hole along the top so you can hang it on your Christmas tree with a twine or a ribbon. To prettify it even more, cut out holiday shapes from acetate and glue or tape the silhouette onto the birch log.

You can also repurpose birch logs as a rustic garland. Similar to making the ornament, you need to cut ¼ inch discs and drill holes along the top and bottom of each. Cut twine or colorful yarn to size, then connect the birch log discs side by side using the yarn or twine.

PVC Pipe Wreath

If you want to add a geometric touch to your entryway without breaking the bank, PVC pipes are your answer. These cheap plumbing materials make for an artistic and modern Christmas home décor. Learn how to make one here.

Magazine Garland

Do you have mounds of magazines stacked on your coffee table? Put those colorful pages to good use and create a mantel garland. Tear each page into thirds, then roll each torn strip into a conical shape and hold it with glue. Make sure to leave them hollow. Lastly, place each conical side by side by inserting yarn or twine through them.

Holiday Lights Wreath

Instead of throwing them out, why not collect these colored twinkle light bulbs for decorating a wreath? Spruce up a plain wreath by simply adding colored bulbs to it. Secure these light bulbs in place with hot glue and you’ll have a unique holiday home décor for your living room, dining room or entryway!

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http://abodefineliving.com/create-stunning-holiday-home-decor-using-upcycled-materials/feed/05 Interior Design Tricks to Try for Your Homehttp://abodefineliving.com/5-interior-design-tricks-to-try-for-your-home/
http://abodefineliving.com/5-interior-design-tricks-to-try-for-your-home/#commentsFri, 05 Dec 2014 16:28:53 +0000http://abodefineliving.com/?p=1566Sometimes it is the simplest things that make the biggest impact.

Whether you are decorating your new abode or simply wanting to spruce up your space, there are some interesting home interior design tactics that you can employ with little effort and minimal cost. Perhaps you may be interested in adding an artwork or a mirror to your wall, or in changing paint colors to brighten or warm your living space. Whatever your home pick-me-upper is, with a bit of effort, you can transform your home into a lovely and cozy abode.

Here are 5 home interior design tricks that may inspire you.

Tip #1: Layer your lighting.

Paint color is not the only thing that sets the mood in a room. If you want to create mood, you need ambient lighting. And if you read before going to bed, adding direct light is a good idea.

Tip #2: Mix styles, and combine different patterns and textures, or old and new furniture pieces.

Another good home interior design advice: mix it up. Do not be hesitant to put together vintage pieces and modern decors. Any good interior home design expert would tell you that it is essential that your space exudes your style and personality. The antique night lamp of your grandmother tells a story of your past. The new bedside table you fell in love with and instantly bought also tells a story, but of your present. And there is no reason why these two cannot co-exist perfectly well together.

Tip #3: Consider slip covers for versatility.

Although they often get a bad rap, slip covers are actually a great way of changing the look of your furniture to reflect the seasons. Plus, they can easily be removed and cleaned, and can offer a comfortable, sophisticated, and casual vibe all the same time.

If you are planning a home interior design re-decorating, it would be a good idea to consider slip covers for rooms that children use frequently.

Tip #4: Purchase wicker baskets.

What better way to add storage to any space than wicker baskets? They are not only elegant, but also economical. You can use this beauties to display magazines and book, or store toys, blankets and towels to name a few. You can even use small wicker baskets to display fruits on the kitchen counter-tops.

Tip #5: Make a room seem larger with soft, light colors.

A small room has a tendency to feel and look cramped if it is painted with darker colors. Painting tiny rooms in lighter shades, on the other hand, is a good way of maximizing space. Conversely, large windows and ample use of mirrors can make a room look larger than it actually is. Strategically placed mirrors reflect natural light, and create dimension and the illusion of space, helping you make the room seem bigger.

However, a room may still feel small despite the mirrors if the walls are painted in dark shades. The moral? Stick to light colors for small spaces to avoid a boxed-in feel from it.

]]>http://abodefineliving.com/5-interior-design-tricks-to-try-for-your-home/feed/0Update Your Bathroom with These Low-Cost Ideashttp://abodefineliving.com/update-your-bathroom-with-these-low-cost-ideas/
http://abodefineliving.com/update-your-bathroom-with-these-low-cost-ideas/#commentsThu, 13 Nov 2014 13:41:09 +0000http://abodefineliving.com/?p=1559In a bathroom, just as in any small space, minor changes can have significant impact. Not only should a bathroom be beautiful, it should be functional, as well. If you want to remodel your bathroom, here are nifty and low-budget ideas that may help you attain functionality while keeping your bathroom looking crisp and beautiful.

Take Inventory: Getting rid of empty or expired shampoo bottles can make a big difference. Empty your bathroom tops and cabinets, and then lay the items out, so you can take inventory of each and every one. Once you get rid of the items you rarely use, give your bathroom a good scrub. A refreshed space should be the top priority.

Add Storage:Integrate a shelving unit to hold your toiletries, and grooming supplies, as well as some decorative objects. Installing a freestanding shelf would be wise. It not only saves space, it can also add elegance when matched with other décors and fixtures in your bathroom.

Change the Fixtures: You can easily improve and upgrade your bathroom’s esthetics by replacing the fixtures. Swap your old shower head or faucet with a new one. You can even save on water consumption if you purchase a low-flow model. Additionally, a wall-mounted sink would be a great space-saving feature.

Jazz It Up with Accessories: Add a burst of color or whimsy to a plain-looking bathroom by bringing in some accessories with functional uses such as a shower curtain or some towels.

Update the Lighting & Refurbish the Hardware: Pool lighting can make a bathroom look cramped. Fortunately, upgrading the lighting is often an easy task to do. Similarly, you can replace your bathroom cabinet hardware with inexpensive alternatives. If you can’t replace those brass knobs, handles or hinges, you can improve them by using spray paint. These little tasks generally take just a couple of hours to do, but make a big impact with regard to the look of the space.

Throw in Some Color: Re-paint your walls with a bold color, or add a vibrant area rug for an instant bathroom makeover. When painting in humid areas such as the bathroom, use paints that are treated with mildewcide to prevent mildew and mold outbreak.

Use Wallpaper: From colors to patterns and textures, your options for wallpaper are almost endless. If you are looking for an impactful upgrade, adding wallpaper might be your best choice.

Add Wainscoting: Make the space more interesting by installing wainscoting. For instance, if your bathroom walls are painted yellow, you can contrast the hue with a white-painted wainscoting.

Consider Installing Shutters:Want a cottage feel for your bathroom? Some crisp white shutters should do the trick. Unlike ordinary window treatments, vinyl shutters can stand up with high humidity, and does not easily warp. There are varied options online, and a wide selection of low-cost options in local home centers.

Not the type of makeovers you are eying for? Call one of our Scottsdale interior design consultants for more creative and nifty design ideas.